FORWARD LEADERSHIP
FORWARD LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT PULLING PEOPLE UP TO SIT AT THE TABLE AND CONTRIBUTE IN A MEANINGFUL WAY THAT IMPACTS POSITIVELY ON PEOPLE, BUSINESSES AND THE CONTINENT. IT IS ABOUT MAKING PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF LOOKING AT THE BIGGER PICTURE.
from several other African countries. Its interesting engaging them and getting varied perspectives on various issues. At present I am looking at other opportunities to nurture the community, grow and deepen the engagement.
Africa is on a path to greatness however we need talent to facilitate this growth. And I am not just talking about formal education, we need young leaders who can think on their feet and take bold decisions that will drive Africa forward. By providing mentorship and guidance we can help nurture and develop talent that will drive the African agenda. I want to be a part of the many that guide our young leaders to greatness. I want to see them driving change and growth.
BT: Having worked in Nigeria, Ghana and DRC, what do you see as forward leadership in Africa
UO: For me, forward leadership is about pulling people up to sit at the table and contribute in a meaningful way that impacts positively on people, businesses and the continent. It is about making people understand the importance of looking at the bigger picture. It is also about advancing the needs of businesses and ensuring the welfare and wellbeing of the people that work within the organization. We also have a responsibility to improve the living standards in the communities where we operate.
Leadership, as I keep telling people is not about being the senior person. We can all help pull up those behind us. For instance someone in his first job can serve as a leader on his team and mentor someone who is in senior high school. Such a person can guide them to make better and informed decisions about academic work and career choices.
Forward leadership is about reaching out to young people, helping them to progress and achieve the best of their competencies and more.
BT: What is next for Uche Ofodile?
UO: Well, I am spending well deserved time with the family and mulling over a number of opportunities. After two very complicated business turnarounds over the last eight years, I want to make sure I continue to take on opportunities that stretch me, allow me to have a big impact on businesses and people. I strongly believe that my skills are industry agnostic so what I bring to the table in terms of driving a business can be done across a number of industries not just telecommunications.
UO: In the interim, I am keenly pursuing one of my biggest passions of encouraging and driving leadership among young Africans especially women. I am saying to them, you can do it and therefore put yourself forward. I am telling them do a great job and the rewards will come. I am urging them that no matter how challenging things get at work, never burn bridges because this community of talent is so small. I want to help them navigate this career journey so they can realize their ambitions today and even the ones they don ' t realize they have.
UO: And the response so far has been great. What’ s wonderful is as I share my knowledge, I am learning a lot from them as well. That is pretty exciting to me.
2016 | Business Times Africa 39